Drug treatment

Verified 13 January 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Wondering how to treat drug addiction (examples: cannabis, heroin, cocaine)? Drug addiction can be treated on the initiative of the drug addict himself or following a referral from a professional (doctor or social worker). Justice can also order care. We present you with the information you need to know.

Specialized medical services

2 specialized medical services can guide the addict.

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Centers for care, support and prevention in addictology (CSAPA)

CSAPAs allow you to take stock with a professional on the difficulties encountered.

They offer support to:

  • Stopping drugs
  • Or moderate drug use
  • Or substitution therapy (for people who are dependent on opioids).

The user can choose the support that suits him best.

In particular, they may opt to withdraw:

  • Outpatient (i.e. without hospitalization)
  • Or hospital by being hosted in a partner service.

The support offered by the CSAPA can continue throughout the withdrawal period, including hospital treatment, and beyond.

Indeed, the weaned person can continue to be welcomed in the context of specific interviews or workshops aimed at consolidating his arrest.

Who shall I contact

FYI  

A person close to a drug addict can also go to a CSAPA.

Hospital facilities

Outpatient care is also available in hospital facilities (hospital addictology units).

These structures are of varying importance.

They offer external consultations, such as what CSAPAs can offer.

Who shall I contact

Reception and support centers for risk reduction (Caarud)

Les Caarud:

  • Offer personalized information and advice for drug users
  • Provide a collective and individual welcome
  • Provide infection prevention materials
  • Develop social mediation actions to ensure good integration in the neighborhood and prevent nuisances related to drug use
  • May supply certain medicines (e.g. water for injections)
  • Provide support to users (examples: support in access to care, access to rights, access to housing and integration or reintegration into employment).

You can find a Caarud depending on where you live:

Stop care addictions (HSA)

The USA is opened by some CSAPAs and the Carud until December 31, 2025.

They are located:

  • Within CSAPA and Carud
  • Or in separate premises or mobile structures.

The aim is to help adult drug users who want advice to reduce the risks (e.g. overdose, infection).

These people can consume in safe conditions and be accompanied for health-related issues (examples: seeking a attending doctor, obtaining psychiatric help, benefiting from withdrawal).

It is possible to find an SAH depending on where you live:

Who shall I contact

One doctor or a social worker can point out the case of a person who is a drug addict the Regional Health Agency (RHA).

The LRA orders the execution of a survey on the family, professional and social life of the person and requests a medical examination.

What follows differs depending on whether the examination reveals dependence or not.

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Examination reveals dependence

The person must undergo a detoxification treatment in the institution of his choice. Alternatively, the SRA may designate one ex officio.

Examination does not reveal dependence

The person is asked to remain under medical supervision. This monitoring will be carried out either by a :

  • Physician selected by the Director General of the LRA
  • Social hygiene clinic
  • Registered establishment, public or private.

A judge can ask a drug addict to seek treatment.

This care is called therapeutic injunction (or injunction for treatment). They may include rehab.

The injunction may be ordered in the context of:

The judge who issued the therapeutic injunction informs the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

The LRA shall:

  • Medical examination of the person concerned by a doctor designated as a bridge doctor
  • And, possibly, to a survey on the family, professional and social life of the drug addict.

The designated health professional shall inform the judicial authority of his opinion on the appropriateness of the therapeutic injunction.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Drugs info service

    By telephone

    0 800 23 13 13 (free and anonymous call)

    Open from 8am to 2am, 7 days a week

    Information about drugs, alcohol, addictions including gambling addiction.

    Listen, support, advice and guidance.

    You can call to be concerned directly or indirectly by drug use.

    Via the Internet

    Access to Your questions / Our answers to ask questions of service professionals

    By Cat

    Open: